Gamble Rogers Memorial State Recreation Area at Flagler Beach History
History of Gamble Rogers Memorial State Recreation Area
Gamble Rogers Memorial State Recreation Area, consisting of approximately 145 acres, was acquired by the State of Florida on October 4, 1954. This park fits snug between the Atlantic Ocean and the Intercoastal Waterway. However, the park has plenty of history well before the Florida Park Service came into play.
In 1869, a "House of Refuge" was established on the beachside of what is now Gamble Rogers Memorial State Recreation Area. This "House of Refuge" was established to help shipwreck survivors. In the mid 1880’s this "House of Refuge" began serving as a U.S. Life Saving Service Station. Between this time and WWII, the U.S. Coast Guard took control of this station and used it as a base of operation. During World War II, due to the threat of German submarines, the establishment was utilized as an Air Warning Site manned by the U.S. Army Corps, Jacksonville.
Shortly after World War II ended the site was abandoned and the State of Florida obtained the title of the property from the United States of America, on October 4, 1954. On January 23, 1968, the Board of Trustees of the Internal Improvement Trust Fund, conveyed management authority of Gamble Rogers Memorial State Recreation Area at Flagler Beach to the Division of Recreation and Parks.
Gamble Rogers Memorial State Recreation Area, consisting of approximately 145 acres, was acquired by the State of Florida on October 4, 1954. This park fits snug between the Atlantic Ocean and the Intercoastal Waterway. However, the park has plenty of history well before the Florida Park Service came into play.
In 1869, a "House of Refuge" was established on the beachside of what is now Gamble Rogers Memorial State Recreation Area. This "House of Refuge" was established to help shipwreck survivors. In the mid 1880’s this "House of Refuge" began serving as a U.S. Life Saving Service Station. Between this time and WWII, the U.S. Coast Guard took control of this station and used it as a base of operation. During World War II, due to the threat of German submarines, the establishment was utilized as an Air Warning Site manned by the U.S. Army Corps, Jacksonville.
Shortly after World War II ended the site was abandoned and the State of Florida obtained the title of the property from the United States of America, on October 4, 1954. On January 23, 1968, the Board of Trustees of the Internal Improvement Trust Fund, conveyed management authority of Gamble Rogers Memorial State Recreation Area at Flagler Beach to the Division of Recreation and Parks.
